2001 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,286miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,286 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving and I saw and smelt smoke. I immediately could tell where it was coming from because I saw the smoke coming out of the hazard light on top of my steering wheel, it then turned into a flame,it was inside of the steering wheel. I pulled off to the side of the road because fortunately I had water with me and I poured a little bit of water on the flames that were coming out of where the hazard light is. This has happened 2 times,with the final result being 2 fires. It happened a 3rd time with just smoke. …”
NHTSA complaint #10552446, filed 2013-11, 187,000 miles“Ford Explorer 2001 blend door needs replaced. Car is in great condition except for this problem which is a safety issue I found out early one morning on a cold day when the windshield would not defrost and I could not see threw it while I was on the highway. I kept pulling over to wipe the windows and headed back home. I have made an appointment with Ford service and I know it's going to cost alot. After researching on the web I learned that this is a very common problem. I feel this should be a recall because it is a real safety issue and it is so common of a problem. Thank you, christine”
NHTSA complaint #10245354, filed 2008-10, 92,571 miles“There was a warning indicator that was originally illuminated green. When the indicator turned blue the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The indicator was for the lighting system, and the dealer made some repairs, but did not inform the consumer of what was done. Currently, the indicator is not on at all, and the dealer cannot determine why it is not working. Also, the rear window windshield wiper was not operating. Dealer stated motor had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10038193, filed 2003-10, 38,730 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a loud thump coming from the rear hatch window. Upon further investigation, the rear hatch window was loose. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000. ....updated 07/05/16 updated 07/13/16.”
NHTSA complaint #10862579, filed 2016-05, 72,000 miles“Deep scratches have appered on the inside of the front side windows. On the passanger side the scratches are so bad that it inpairs the view of the side mirror, it is so bad on sunny days that I can not rely on the use of that mirror. There are also deep scratches on the inside of the driver side window but they are on the rear of the window.”
NHTSA complaint #742062, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 69 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer
62 complaintsSuspension
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsSeats
24 complaintsSteering
21 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 27, 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