2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 22%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 22% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11096662, filed 2018-05, 136,000 miles“Transmissions in explorer sport tracs 2001 are not very reliable, I am having to put a 2nd one in with only 126,000 miles. Ford should address the issue with all transmissions in the explorer. I will not purchase another Ford, nor will I tell anybody else, maybe they should have taken a bail-out from the government to fix there cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10314536, filed 2010-02, 126,000 miles“I purchased a 2001 Ford explorer sport tract I didn't get to test drive it because there were other vehical surrounding it. When I finally got to drive my truck home I noticed the transmission had a severe issue. When I turned a corner my tires rubbed badly on some other part to the trucks parts and the driver seat has a medal rod that jabs me in the back that's coming thru the fabric now my battery has leaked acid every where in the battery compartment and surrounding areas.”
NHTSA complaint #10877013, filed 2016-06, 147,260 miles“The rising price of gas discouraged me from using my sport trac (st) often, so it was garaged during the work week. On the weekends, I usually drove the st to run errands around town. On jan 28, 2012, I drove less than a mile when my st began losing throttle response and an unfamiliar clattering can be heard generated in the engine bay. I quickly realized that this was not normal, so I proceeded to pull over. I then took the truck to a mechanic near my location. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454791, filed 2012-04, 129,001 miles“My 2001 Ford sport trac transmission warning light came on. After taking it to dealer I was informed that I need a new transmission. With only 56,000 on trunk. Since its out of warranty I will have to foot the bill of $3600. There are thousands of other sport trac owners getting stuck with bad transmissions. Please make Ford fix there bad transmissions.”
NHTSA complaint #10111858, filed 2005-02, 55,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 23% |
| 2009 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 8 | 35% |
| 2007 | 23 | 23% |
| 2006 | 5 | 100% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 15% |
| 2003 | 8 | 10% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 36 | 22% |
| 1997 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
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 complaintsSteering
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 Nov 1, 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