2001 Ford Explorer Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2001 Ford Explorer. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 09V399000Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more

  Reported issue: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

  Possible consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…

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• 07V336000Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more

  Reported issue: On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

  Possible consequence: This could result in an underhood fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will…

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• 03V280000Aug 5, 2003448,005 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control › Cables
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001 +1 more

  Reported issue: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0l sohc engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated.

  Possible consequence: The throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed control is disengaged. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. Owner notification began august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

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• 03V281000Aug 5, 20031,552,880 vehicles potentially affected
  Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more

  Reported issue: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.

  Possible consequence: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. Owner notification began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

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• 03V094000Mar 7, 20033,674 vehicles potentially affected
  Body and structure
  Covers: Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003, Ford Expedition 2000–2003 +9 more

  Reported issue: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

  Possible consequence: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

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• 00V313000Oct 17, 20005 vehicles potentially affected
  Equipment › Other › Labels
  Covers: Ford Explorer 2001

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567.4, "certification." these vehicles were shipped from the assembly plant without safety certification labels.

  Possible consequence: Incorrect tire inflation pressure could result in tire tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the certification labels.

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NHTSA investigations

• PE03020Front seat back recliner attachmentClosed · May 21, 2003

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