2001 Ford Explorer Sport Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the tires of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 6% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 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.
“While traveling at highway speed vehicle's left rear tire tread separated. Driver made an abrupt steering input that caused loss of control. Vehicle overturned and left the roadway. Driver was sole occupant and did not survive.”
NHTSA complaint #10352297, filed 2010-08, 135,633 miles“The right rear tire experienced a tread separation while driving 60-65 MPH with two adults and two children in a 2001, Ford, Explorer Sport SUV. While driving driver noticed a loud banging noise, and the vehicle was losing steering control. Consumer pulled the vehicle off the road, and noticed that tire cause damages to the fuel filler neck line. It was an after market tire installed at 51, 000 miles, tire size p235/75r15 and DOT# 88l3l63101. The tire dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10115024, filed 2005-03, 51,000 miles“When driving on slight uphill roads and making turns left or right, like on ramps to freeway at very slow speeds, 5-10 MPH, vehicle is hard to control. Goes all over road, braking makes it worse. Dealer replaced steering gear and tires. Did not remedy. To dealer 9 days one time, another 14 days. Consumer also states engine makes a grinding noise right after start-up.”
NHTSA complaint #885589, filed 2001-04“I have just purchased a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport that was sitting for a > year as part of an estate. > > > > > > this car has fireston wilderness tires p255 70r16 1095 m+s. Which have been recalled. Ford & firestone refuse to replace these tires because the time allotted expired”
NHTSA complaint #10007705, filed 2003-02“While driving 65 MPH heard a loud knocking noise coming from the rear. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove the vehicle to a body shop. The mechanic determined that driver's rear tire needed to be replaced due to a blowout.”
NHTSA complaint #10074012, filed 2004-05Tires: 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 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