2001 Ford Explorer Sport Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 2% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles.
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.
“2001 Ford Explorer Sport: door suddenly stopped unlocking with the key. I have since discovered hundreds of other explorer owners with the same story. I feel this is a safety issue because I transport my 10 month old daughter in this car, and I can't afford to be locked out without warning during the winter.”
NHTSA complaint #10302256, filed 2010-01, 92,000 miles“At just under 40,000 miles,the driver's door latch began to fail, causing the door to either not close completely without vigorous slamming, or failed to open from the inside. Dealer has replaced the latch.”
NHTSA complaint #10114573, filed 2005-03, 39,000 miles“The locks and door latch on my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport obviously do not work! The first problem is that while I'm driving, the driver's side door will fly open if I hit a bump, drive over railroad tracks or turn too hard. My door has opened on the interstate, in on-coming traffic, and has almost hit other cars or objects. Any time I close the passenger or rear doors, the driver door will pop open. The second problem is that the locks don't keep the doors secured. My door will still fly open even if the lock is down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272973, filed 2009-06“2001 Ford Explorer Sport - overall good condition - complaint involves failure of both door power locks/handle mechanisms. Drivers door totally failed and repairs made at auto shop, but mechanism quickly failed again. Expensive repair. - passenger door lock also malfunctioning mildly but still operable for the time being. Appears ready to fail however since this was same prior symptom of the opposite door. No information located on recall from Ford previously for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10477052, filed 2012-09Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
33 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsTires
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSteering
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 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