2001 Ford Explorer Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 14%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 14% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The guy before me (and many before him) experienced the same issues I am currently experiencing with my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport: o/d off light begins flashing, feeling loss of power and hard shifting, especially when trying to go from a complete stop. Turn off vehicle, then restart problem goes away. This happens randomly, but more often in cold weather. Nothing coming up on diagnostic.”
NHTSA complaint #10370998, filed 2010-12, 175,000 miles“My 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 4x4 makes a loud whining noise took it to a transmission shop. Informed me that they would have to probably have to replace the drive shaft estimated cost would be at least 2000$ I have always babied my Ford. How in the word could a drive shaft go bad? I have had cars that were 15 years old and over 200,000 miles on them never a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10159254, filed 2006-06, 70,000 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“2002 2wd Explorer Sport: please release to Ford: here's your technical service notice: 03-25-4 dec 03 a/t - 5r55w no 3rd gear/slipping 2-3 shift/DTC's set my transmission died at 65,000 miles. Everyone with a Ford explorer has issues with the transmission somewhere between 50-65,000 miles with the problem noted in your TSB above. Refund my service deductible for a known failure with your broken transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10154309, filed 2006-03, 65,000 miles“I own a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. Recently, it appears that if I am going a steady speed or leaving from a complete stop, the car goes into over drive. This happens to me a min. Of 5 times a day. The button does not work for the over drive, so each time this happens, I have to pull over and turn the car off and back on again. Sometimes the od goes on minutes after I turn the car off and on again. I have not taken it to get fixed because the mechanics have told me it is signs of the transmission failing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10354717, filed 2010-09, 85,000 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
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
33 complaintsBody and structure
30 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