2001 Ford Explorer Sport Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 11%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 11% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is a 7 year old vehicle and it seems as though recalls continue. This vehicle has a chain guide problem that seems to be major. We now either need a new motor or we have to have it replaced for 2,500.00 everywhere we check. Major problem. Not that old of a vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10236182, filed 2008-07, 100,000 miles“Starting problems with temperatures below 40 degrees fahrenheit on a cold start. Vehicle attempts to start but will not turn over without pressure being applied to accelerator. Only duplicates in cold weather. Very widespread problem many other owners report same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10052900, filed 2004-01, 50,000 miles“Exhaust fumes seeped into the vehicle's interior cabin. Dealer was unable to determine cause or source of leak. Manufacturer stated exhaust fume smell was normal. The smell would worsen when going up hills and or the mountains. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10009588, filed 2003-02, 23,310 miles“Problems with tire equipment on 2001 Explorer Sport. While driving the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the emissions sensor needed to be replaced. The technician indicated that the cost of the repair would be $240.57 and that the replacement would take about 45 minutes because the sensor was difficult to get to. The consumer requested that the old part be returned to him. When the consume got home he opened the hood and saw that the sensor was extremely accessible on the top right of the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073778, filed 2004-05, 37,023 miles“Dt: owns 2001 Ford explorer, both driver and passenger are pregnant. Had just entered interstate and was driving about 70 MPH and tried to slow down to about 65mph. Tried to tap brake but heard engine rev up and it immediately sped back up. Tapped brake again and knew something was wrong. Engaged hazard lights and tried to pull off road. Down shifted to 2nd gear,then to 1st, and slowed to about 50 MPH. Tried to engage emergency brake with no luck. Was using both brakes while traveling in the grass uphill. When it slowed to about 15-20 MPH passenger jumped from vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10121093, filed 2005-05, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026389May 16, 2008Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for…
- 10011150Aug 9, 2004Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0l sohc engine.
- 10013064Oct 28, 2002Excessive sulfur smell from exhaust.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
33 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsTires
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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