2001 Ford Explorer Sport Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 18%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 33 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 18% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“As many other owners of the Ford Explorer Sport have complained about, there is a very loud banging coming from the rear end of my SUV whenever I drive over even the slightest bump or rough road. I have replaced the shocks but it did not make any difference to this problem. It still is so loud and the ride remains very rough. I now understand that the body mount bushings have deteriorated and will need to be replaced to improve the ride and make the vehicle safe to drive again.”
NHTSA complaint #10627649, filed 2014-08, 156,000 miles“Both items happened right after my vechicle coverage ran out in oct. Of 2003,anyway 1st. The A/C recycling switch went bad at around 20,200 miles, now the passenger front lower ball joint is making a terrible noise , so I assume that thats on it`s way out,also I noticed that the rear bumper is on a downward position. To me I think this year`s production model stinks .”
NHTSA complaint #10052801, filed 2004-01, 20,000 miles“I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport which I bought new. I have always maintained it properly and I babied the vehicle. I have replaced many parts on it in the last three years from ball joints to hub assemblies many expensive repairs. Now it is making noise in the rear end and my mechanic has informed me that the rear end may go at any time. I have researched this and find that many other Ford owners are experiencing the same problem but it is not considered a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10353442, filed 2010-09, 147,000 miles“2001 Ford Explorer Sport, I have changed my brakes 3 times in one year. When I brake, it squeaks, very slow to stop, and shift to either side. Any bump will make the vehicle lose control, esp when traveling greater than 45 miles per hour.. True hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10057121, filed 2004-02, 15,000 miles“A clunking noise under the passenger seat. In looking at it, is seems there is a worn body bushing. Investigation on the web shows several incidences of something like this. The noise has gotten worse, the vehicle now has 54000 miles on it.I am the original owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10618698, filed 2014-08, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014096Dec 13, 2004Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
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 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 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