2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 4 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
167
Crashes / fires
15 / 9
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls

Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.

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.

Recall 03V-281: Seats

Reported Aug 5, 2003 · 1,552,880 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall 03V-280: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 5, 2003 · 448,005 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

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.

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.

Recall 00V-394: Structure

Reported Nov 28, 2000 · 137,700 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hood striker.

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train37
Structure30
Vehicle Speed Control26
Suspension18
Engine and Engine Cooling16
Electrical System14
Tires11
Air Bags11
Seats9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Steering6
Unknown or Other6

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 13
  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 6
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 5
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Suspension › Front — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,760 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Aug 15, 2023
I was driving and the lights on the vehicle went out I thought it was the bulbs but no lights were working I adjusted steering wheel to look to see fuse box and all lights came back on there is an electrical short somewhere then I went to start the truck and it made a funny sound and then I lost all power and truck wouldn't start then the alarm kept going off and I could turn off even with the remote or the chipped key. And the truck won't start. Also when you change gears the indicator to show what gear you are in dosent move . This truck has electrical issues and is not safe for drivers to…
Engine · at 136,000 miles · reported May 18, 2018
Car takes about 3 to 5 tries to start. I replaced gas pump, plugs, cables, temp sensor, still takes long to start.o/d off light started flashing, and now it has a rough gear change I believe from 2nd to 3rd
Power Train · at 186,000 miles · reported Feb 27, 2018
The contact owns a 2001 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving various speeds. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was manually restarted and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a transmission malfunction. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Power Train · at 235,000 miles · reported Jul 27, 2017
Vehicle running in park while driver gathered boxes to place in bed of truck. Drive train engaged sending driverless vehicle down road, across intersection and into brick wall. Witness to impact ran to vehicle thinking to check on driver. Upon opening door, noted no driver and stated shifter still indicated vehicle was in park.
Air Bags · reported May 9, 2017
I had an accident I january 2016 and my airbag did not deploy cause me damage to my neck and both shoulder. Doctors say I need surgery on rotator cuffs. If airbags had deployed I would not have been thrust forward. I grabbed steering wheel to brace myself and was thrust forward there for damage both rotator cuffs in my shoulder and hurting my neck also. I have seen many other trucks of my make that air bags have not deployed and people getting hurt. I do not understand why they did not deploy. . Why are there not recalls on this air bags. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the…

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac years

Compare all Ford Explorer Sport Trac years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 03V-281 (seats), 03V-280 (vehicle speed control), 00V-394 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Owners report power train problems most often (37 reports), followed by structure (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,760 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.