2001 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 11%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 11% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,700 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Od light is flashing and the first gear shifts real hard. I took it to the Ford shop and they told me that they have fixed several and they go right back out it was a waste of my time.. Does someone have to get killed before u all fix this if u try to take off and it slips and will not go u can and will get hit.”
NHTSA complaint #10341339, filed 2010-07, 166,724 miles“I took my car to astoria Ford late last year, because it was stalling and losing power. The charged me almost $1,000.00 and the problem persists. The o/d on off light will stop and start. When it comes on which just started today, the car in any gear while only go forward. In reverse and neutral, only forward. As a police officer this is very dangerous, and I cannot drive the vehicle. Many have submitted complaints about this to Ford, they call it a phantom problem. I hope this phantom problem does not occur in front of a day care.”
NHTSA complaint #10605000, filed 2014-06, 187,000 miles“As with so many explorers I have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off like a rocket. If I turn the ignition off, the light resets and the vehicle is ok for a while until the light as with so many explorers I have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off like a rocket. If I turn the ignition off, the light resets and the vehicle is ok for a while until the light comes on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565495, filed 2014-02, 99,000 miles“I have a 2001 Ford Explorer and at first the truck would slip in and out of gears so I took it to a certified mechanic and was told I needed a neutral safety switch. I had that replaced about a month ago. Yesterday, I was driving and the truck slipped out of drive.... And it would not accelerate. I pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle and the o/d off light started flashing. This truck is going to cost me over 2,000 dollars to fix and it seems as if I am not the only one experiencing the same problems. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #10334535, filed 2010-06, 143,212 miles“My 2001 Ford explorers transmission is having shifting problems followed by it's overdrive light flashing. I talked to several Ford transmission friends and they advised me to install a upgrade kit in the valve body. This was done, fluid and filter changed, to no avail. The light intermittently flashes and the transmission shifting weird. After reading several posts on several sites regarding this problem, I am at a loss at what to do. Several people stated that they went to the extent of replacing the transmissions with new ones and the light still flashing and having the same problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10298792, filed 2010-01, 50,000 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer
62 complaintsSuspension
43 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsSeats
24 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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