2001 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,109miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the wheels of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,109 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Main problem at the moment is a clicking, knocking noise that sounds like is coming from underneath truck in the middle. You can feel truck shake/vibrate when you hear the noise. Previous problems lug bolts came loose and almost cause tire to fall off. Other problem truck started off sounding like the brake pads were going then the truck started making a horrible grinding noise . Felt like the engine was going to fall out. Ended up being front passenger side tire. Rim had stattered.”
NHTSA complaint #10790422, filed 2015-11, 167,218 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The chrome steel wheels have exterior corrosion. This condition has caused the tires to lose air pressure. This failure has occurred twice before. She was advised by a technician at the dealer to pay $257.00. To replace bother rear tires. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10297112, filed 2009-12, 105,000 miles“An accident occurred wherein a young man was severely injured. He survived, but has a plate in his jaw, and severe scarring on his face. His sister was also a passenger and was injured, but less severely. The right rear tire appears to have blown out, causing the crash. A witness immediately behind the car at the time of the accident stated: I noticed what looked like one of the right side tires bend to the side and suddenly explode. At that point the driver lost control due to the tire explosion and swerved to the center divider and crashed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524057, filed 2013-07“While driving on the freeway doing 65 MPH passanger side rear tire fell off due to lug bolts breaking. Vehicle almost rolled, but was brought under control before that hapened. Spoke with dealership and they are not willing to help and said it was not under warranty. Ford motor has also ben contacted and they are not willing to help either. (tiresize: 16 inch)”
NHTSA complaint #752537, filed 2001-09“Firestone, wilderness at tires mounted on Ford, Explorer ,2001. While traveling at 35-40 MPH consumer hit a construction site and passenger rear tire fell off, then vehicle rolled over. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. Analyst is unsure ofcomponent, possible tire failure, possible lug, nut, and bolt failure, causing rollover, consumer was injured in accident.”
NHTSA complaint #889753, filed 2001-06Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 2% |
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 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 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