2001 Ford Explorer Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 10%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,508miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 10% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,508 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After researching the problem with my 2001 Ford explore I discovered that there was a recall on the 2001 Ford Explorer with the speed control activation switch. My speed control activation switch is malfunctioning and their has been a recall in place for quite sometime and I was never notified. The recall # is 07v336000.”
NHTSA complaint #10248030, filed 2008-11, 121,000 miles“When I have used my speed control I have had smoke come out of the top of my steering column twice. The smoke comes through the hole for my emergency light button on the top of my steering column. This happened recently for the third time. The Ford dealer is charging $652.63 to replace the wire harness and the switch that controls wipers, hazard lights, blinkers, etc. The recall was replaced, and they say the two are not related. Apparently this could cause an electrical fire as would the recall part. The SUV is a Ford Explorer 2001 v8 xlt.”
NHTSA complaint #10272872, filed 2009-06, 194,462 miles“Was driving approximately 50 MPH heard a popping noise. Noticed white smoke coming from steering column. No flames appeared. Pulled vehicle over and shut everything down. Contacted police and towed the truck. At the mechanic's shop was informed that the cruise control cable was pinched off and started the electrical fire. No injuries reported.”
NHTSA complaint #10110929, filed 2005-03, 61,000 miles“1. Lying in bed only to be awoken by boom (tire blowing out) at 5:00 a.m. 2. Failure was speed control deactivation switch, also known as a brake pressure switch...ignited setting vehicle on fire 3. Nothing done...vehicle was totaled in fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10259613, filed 2009-02, 150,000 miles“- the contact stated that while his 2001 Ford Explorer was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood. The fire damaged the entire front end of the vehicle, the electrical wiring, piping and anything that was concerning plastic melted in the vehicle. The fire dpeartment stated that this falure was common with Ford Explorer, that the cruise control switch would get stuck and catch on fire. Contact can provide incident report and pictures. Jrb”
NHTSA complaint #10185042, filed 2007-03, 200,000 milesRelated recalls
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Ford 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…Covers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain…Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
- 03V280000Aug 5, 2003On 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…Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001 +1 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 3% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 29 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 1% |
| 2016 | 76 | 3% |
| 2015 | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 | 29 | 2% |
| 2013 | 38 | 2% |
| 2012 | 17 | 2% |
| 2011 | 18 | 2% |
| 2010 | 14 | 12% |
| 2009 | 5 | 15% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 6% |
| 2006 | 28 | 4% |
| 2005 | 44 | 9% |
| 2004 | 76 | 6% |
| 2003 | 37 | 3% |
| 2002 | 152 | 5% |
| 2001 | 36 | 10% |
| 2000 | 113 | 12% |
| 1999 | 148 | 11% |
| 1998 | 281 | 14% |
| 1997 | 202 | 12% |
| 1996 | 148 | 10% |
| 1995 | 81 | 10% |
| 1994 | 51 | 4% |
| 1993 | 38 | 4% |
| 1992 | 14 | 2% |
| 1991 | 30 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer
62 complaintsSuspension
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsEngine cooling
39 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 30, 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