2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,201miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 4% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,201 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2001 Ford sport trac 2 wheel drive. When the truck had just passed the warranty period the brakes had to be replaced. The right front was down to bare metal. The rotor was replaced. Twice since then the brakes have been replaced with the exact same ploblem and now need to be replaced again.Ford parts were used and parts were professionally installed.I have spoked with 11 other people who have the same truck with the same problem. Also the turn signal and brake lights do not work if the tilt steering is tilted down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118433, filed 2005-04, 36,201 miles“Since the purchase of my Ford exploer sport trac in dec, 2000, I have dealt with a steering shudder. I have had 3 different types of tires on the vehicle and all exhibited this problem. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer during the warranty period, but they were not sure of the cause. Today I called Ford and they are shifting the burden of the necessary repair to me despite that I brought this up at least twice during the warranty period. I think this is a safety issue and it is especially bad on wet surfaces. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082864, filed 2004-07, 5,000 miles“While driving,the vehicle would shake uncontrollable. The driver was able to maintain control by slowing down the acceleration or come to a complete stop . The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the power steering unit needed to be replaced due to a solenoid switch. A whining sound began around 25k miles. There was a jerk in the steering wheel. At 48800k miles, the vibration was constant whenever the vehicle made turns. The power steering was replaced and the valve in the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10082115, filed 2004-08, 25,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. The contact sustained injuries to the chest and ankle that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 155,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10639012, filed 2014-09, 155,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018061Oct 7, 2005Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0l engine.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
36 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology