2001 Ford Explorer Body & Structure Problems

Your rear door child safety locks aren't working properly. When the locks are engaged, the rear doors can't be opened from inside the vehicle, but they can still be opened from outside. This defeats the purpose of the child safety locks, which are designed to prevent children from accidentally opening doors while the vehicle is moving.

I HAVE HAD 3 TIRE BLOW OUTS IN THE SHORT TIME I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK DUE TO THE TIRES RUBBING ON A PART OF THE STEERING WHEN MAKING TURNS. ITS RUBS OFF THE MATERIAL OF THE TIRE.....ALSO THE REAR PASSANGER DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND BEARLY OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD MAKING THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. YOUR SITE WANTS ME TO ENTER A DATE... I CAN'T RECALL ALL THREE DATES

TL* 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 *BF UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB

FRAME /BODY MOUNTS, CREAK, SQUAWK CRUNCH , THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEBLE WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. SOME PEPLE ALSO DESCRIBE THE NOISE A HAMMER BEATING UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE IS DETERIORATE BODY TO FRAME MOUNT CUSHIONS, THESE CUSHIONS APPER TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL, MUCH LIKE CHINESE VALVE STEMS THAT CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE AFTER A FEW YEARS THE BODY MOUNTS DRY ROT , CRUMBLE AND LITERALLY FALL APART, THIS A TERRIBLE, THIS CAN PROVOKED A ACCIDENT.

I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE 2002. LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE (ONE DAY IT WORKED, NEXT DAY IT WAS FLOPPING AND OBVIOUSLY DISCONNECTED). CAN'T OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE ALSO FEELING FLOPPY AND LOOSE. CHILD "SAFETY" LATCHES ON BOTH BACK PASSENGER DOORS HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SO ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT HAS TO BE LET OUT BY SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE AS THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WON'T WORK. ON THE INTERNET, YOU WILL SEE THAT DOOR FAILURES ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL ARE RAMPANT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. FIXING THE DOORS IS REALLY DIFFICULT AS W/O BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR, YOU HAVE TO DISMANTLE THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK IN ORDER TO GET TO THE I/S DOOR PANEL. THIS IS NOT A REPAIR A TYPICAL OWNER COULD DO FOR THEMSELVES, EVEN MY MECHANIC DOES NOT WANT TO DO IT. WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF TRUCK OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THIS DOOR FAILURE PROBLEM ON THE NET AND THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION IT PUTS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN, FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED. OBVIOUSLY THESE DOOR LATCHES ARE VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FAILURE AND CONTINUED TO BE INSTALLED BY FORD FOR YEARS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED THE FRAME TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE REAR BODY MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THE FRONT PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I HEARD A POPPING FOLLOWED BY A LOT OF METAL NOISE. THE TRUCK SEAMED SHIFT AROUND. UPON LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK THE BODY MOUNT UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS GONE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME. THE CAB IS NOW SITTING ON THE FRAME AND SOME PARTS AROUND THE PASSENGER FRONT MOUNT ARE CRACKED. CALLED FORD, NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. (GOOD ANSWER?) I THINK NOT....TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALER IN RI. TOLD HIM WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT MY WIFE WANTED TO USE THE SPORT TRAC TO PICK UP OUR 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON. HE TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE AND NOT TO DRIVE IT ... SOUND LIKE A MAINTENANCE ISSUE? SOUNDS MORE LIKE A PRODUCT FAILURE. FORD KNOWS. NHTSA KNOWS. WE WHO OWN KNOW. THIS IS NOT ENVIRONMENTAL DUE TO THE FACT THAT I SEE IT IS ALSO HAPPENING IN TEXAS TOO. SO I WILL CALL FORD AGAIN AND DEMAND THE FIX AS MANY TIMES AS IT TAKES TIL MY TRUCK IS FIXED. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO START CALLING THIS WHAT IT IS "FORD"S BAD PRODUCT DECISION AND NOT THE BURDEN OF THE CONSUMER. *TR

WHEN I HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED I WAS INFORMED THE BODY MOUNTS WERE ALMOST ALL RUSTED OUT AND THERE IS A DANGER THE BODY COULD COME LOOSE. ITS EASY TO PICTURE WHAT COULD HAPPEN IT THIS OCCURRED IN A 60 MPH CURVE ON INTERSTATE. MECHANICS TELL THIS IS UNHEARD OF IN ANY OTHER VEHICLES EXCEPT FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACS MODEL YEARS 2001 THRU 2005. IF THIS ISNT A HAZARD I DONT KNOW WHAT IS. ITS EVIDENT THIS PARTS ARE JUNK AND FORD DID NOTHING TO CORRECT IT. STARTING IN 2006 THIS PROBLEM NO LONGER EXISTED. *TR

THE BACK END BUMPS AND THUMPS LIKE THERE IS NO PADDING BETWEEN THE METAL ON METAL PARTS. VERY LOUD IN THE VEHICLE ALWAYS. *TR

BODY MOUNTS UNDER FLOOR ARE DETERIORATED. WHEN DRIVING AND GOING OVER BUMPS, VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS "BOTTOMING OUT" AS A LOUD CLUNK CAN BE HEARD AND FELT UNDER YOUR FEET. UPON INSPECTION, AT LEAST 4 MOUNTS ARE ROUGHLY 75% DETERIORATED OR MORE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE NOTICED THAT THE BODY BUSHING HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - OVERALL GOOD CONDITION - COMPLAINT INVOLVES FAILURE OF BOTH DOOR POWER LOCKS/HANDLE MECHANISMS. DRIVERS DOOR TOTALLY FAILED AND REPAIRS MADE AT AUTO SHOP, BUT MECHANISM QUICKLY FAILED AGAIN. EXPENSIVE REPAIR. - PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ALSO MALFUNCTIONING MILDLY BUT STILL OPERABLE FOR THE TIME BEING. APPEARS READY TO FAIL HOWEVER SINCE THIS WAS SAME PRIOR SYMPTOM OF THE OPPOSITE DOOR. NO INFORMATION LOCATED ON RECALL FROM FORD PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

THE BODY MOUNTS ON MY EXPLORER SPORT ARE DETERIORATING AND CAUSING A BAD VIBRATION IN THE WHOLE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AND EVENTUALLY THE CAB WILL SHIFT AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. THE FORD COMPANY IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE NEW PARTS NEEDED FOR MY MODEL VEHICLE AND THEY WANT $1,0000 JUST FOR THE PARTS. *TR

MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC'S BODY MOUNT CUSHION HAS DETERIORATED AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE (REMOVE THE BODY OFF OF THE TRUCK) PROCEDURE AND VERY EXPENSIVE PARTS. THIS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THANK YOU, [XXX] ATTORNEY AT LAW, MAUI, HAWAII INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN A BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BODY MOUNTS HAD DISINTEGRATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - THE BODY MOUNT ISOLATORS ARE COMPLETELY DETERIORATED AS REPORTED BY OTHERS. ALL BODY MOUNT ISOLATORS WILL CRUMBLE UPON SIMPLE HAND PRESSURE. FORD HAS DISCONTINUED MANUFACTURER OF THESE REPLACEMENTS. IF AVAILABLE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY, LIST ON PARTS ALONE IS >+ $600.00 FOR SET OF EIGHT UPPER AND LOWER ISOLATORS.FAILURE @ 86,524 MILES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY BUSHINGS WERE ROTTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FRAME AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 09/28/11*LJ

2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CRUMBLING BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS CAUSING CREAKING, KNOCKING NOISE UNDER FLOORBOARD. POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL. VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, CORNERING IS AWFUL AND TRUCK RIDES VERY ROUGH AND IS HARD TO CONTROL NOW THAT THE BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY GONE. OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEMS THE BODY COULD WARP, CAUSE WINDOWS TO BREAK, DOORS TO BECOME MISALIGNED, CAUSE OTHER SUSPENSION PARTS TO FAIL PREMATURELY. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 69K MILES AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *KB

BODY TO FRAME MOUNTS FAILURE. *TT

IVE HCECKED AROUND AND IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THE EXPLORER SPORT TRACS EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPLACING WITH NEW ONES. THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS UNDER THE CAB DETERIATE AND CRUMBLE. THE NOISE IS HIGHLY UNBEARABLE SO I HAVENT DRIVEN MY TRUCK IN A FEW MONTHS. I REFUSE TO PAY CLOSE TO $500 USD FOR PARTS WHEN I STILL HAVE TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE FOR AND PAY LABOR. I FEEL THAT FORD AND THE NHTSA HAVE NO CARE AT ALL ABOUT WHETHER IT GETS RESOLVED. FORD SYAS GO TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER SAYS GO TO FORD. THEN BACK AND FORTH LIKE NOBODY WANTS TO DEAL WITH IT, UNLESS OF COURSE IF YOU'RE PAYING THEM. THEN THEY'L FIX IT AND REPAIR IT WITH PARTS THAT WILL GO OUT. IF IT WAS WEATHER OR NATURAL CAUSES FOR THE WEAR, THEN WHY DOESNT THE FRONT AND REAR ONES WEAR OUT? WHY JUST THE TWO( WELL I SHOULD SAY FOUR TWO ON EACH SIDE) WEAR OUT? EITHER STOP MAKING CRAPPY PARTS AND CARS FOR PEOPLE WHO WORL AND DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CRAPPY EXCUSE OF A PART AND FIX IT. SO WHAT IF IT COSTS YOU MILLIONS; IF YOU MADE IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE THEN YOU WOULDNT HAVE THIS PROBLEM NOW. I GUESS WHEN MY CAB FLIES OFF AND KILLS SOME KIDS ON A SIDEWALK AND THE PARETS SUE FORD AND NHTSA FOR FAILURE TO HEAD PRIOR WARNINGS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEN MAYBE SOMEBODY WILL MAKE SOMEBODY FIX THIS HUGE ISSUE. I MIGHT JUST GO DRIVING AND SWERVE AND LET MY CAB ROLL OF AND KILL SOMEBODY, NOTHING LIKA A LITTLE DEATH TO GET THE JOB DONE....HEY IT WORKED WHEN WE WENT FIGHTING IN IRAQ FOR YOU PEOPLE. SMH. THIS IS PLAN RIDICULOUS AND SICKNING HOW OUR GOVERNMENT ALLOWS COMPANIES TO SCREW US OVER AFTER ALL WE'VE DONE. GO OUT THERE AND SERVE YOUR COUNTRY!! AND WHEN YOU GET BACK AND YOUR CAR'S PARTS ARE FAULTY, WE WONT MAKE THE TRILLION DOLLAR COMPANY FIX IT....SMFH...AINT NO COUNTRY LIKE AMERICA. *TT

TOOK MY TRUCK TO A MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT THE GRINDING SOUND OF MEDAL WAS, TURNED OUT TO BE THE BODY MOUNTING BUSHINGS. THEY ARE FALLING APART. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS WHAT ATTACHES THE BODY TO THE FRAME AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AROUND. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION I HAVE. I READ UP ON THIS ONLINE AND FOUND THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SAME SITUATION. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW FORD CAN LET THESE TRUCKS OF THEIR LOTS KNOWING THAT THE BUSHINGS ARE NO GOOD AND SHOULD BE FIXED!! *TR

2001 FORD SPORTTRAC ALL FRAME/BODY MOUNT BUSHING IS DETERIATING BADLY. I THINK ITS VERY SERIOUS. IF I SHOULD HAVE A WREAK OR SOMEONE HITS ME WHILE IM TM TRANSPORTING MY GRANDSON OR WIFE .WHAT HOLDS THE FRAME FROM SWAYING OFF THE TRUCK IS WELL TAKEN CARE OFF . I LIVE IN TEXAS. NO BAD WEATHER CONDITION TO DETERIATE BUSHING . IT SHOULD BE A DEFECTIVE PART. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE IT GETS PEOPLE KILLED. IM DISABLE AND ON A FIXED INCOME CANT AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. *LN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE CAUSED BY THE BODY MOUNT INSULATOR WHICH WAS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC NEW ON JULY 21, 2001. IT NOW HAS ALMOST 78,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AGO I STARTED NOTICING ALOT ROUGHER RIDE THAN USUAL. AS IT SEEMED TO GET WORSE AND WORSE, I DECIDED TO PUT IT ON A LIFT AND HAVE A LOOK. WHAT I FOUND WAS THAT ALL OF THE CAB BODY MOUNTING BUSHINGS HAVE JUST DETERIORATED. THEY ARE STILL THERE, BUT WILL ACTUALLY CRUMBLE IN YOUR HANDS. AS I KNEW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I DECIDED TO LOOK ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYBODY ELSE HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS YES. IT LOOKS LIKE QUIET A NUMBER OF PEOPLE. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO ASK IF FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED HOW THE BUSHINGS WOULD JUST CRUMBLE IN YOUR HANDS, AND THAT IT WAS ONLY THE CAB BODY BUSHINGS. THE BED BUSHINGS ARE ALMOST LIKE NEW, NOT HARDLY SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF WEAR. I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEM TO LOOK AT IT, BUT WAS GIVEN THE PHONE NUMBER OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CALL THEM AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED IT TO THEM. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I DID THAT, AND WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT ALL I COULD DO WAS CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK AND SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CALLED THEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY , AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE THE WORK DONE ON IT BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WOULD GET A 12 MONTH/ 12000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE WORK. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER FOR PRICES ON THE BUSHINGS, I WAS ABOUT FLOORED TO HEAR THAT THEY WOULD COST ABOUT $478.36 PER SIDE, SO THAT IS TIMES 2 SIDES. THEN, THAT DOES NOT EVEN INCLUDE THE NEW BOLTS TAX, OR LABOR. THIS COULD BE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. BUT I EXPLAINED THAT TO FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE ALSO, AS THEY COULD SEEM TO CARE LESS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NO WAY SHOULD THE BUSHINGS BE DETERIORATED LIKE THIS . *TR

LEFT HINGE ON THE BACK GLASS KEEPS FALLING OFF. I HAVE REPLACED IT 3 TIMES NOW AND FORD KEEPS SAYING THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. THEY SAY IT MUST BE SOMETHING I'M DOING TO IT. THE RIGHT HINGE IS FINE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW THE LIFT GATE FAILED TO OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V442000 STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,643.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ENCOUNTERED BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER TRAVELING OVER BUMPS OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE REAR INTERNAL PANEL. THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THE COMPOSITE PANEL, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE LIFT GATE, BEGAN TO CRACK AND FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO OFFER REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE AND ADVISED CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,463 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,438. UPDATED 05/19/10*LJ

BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE DETERIORATING PREMATURELY. *DT

2001 FORD SPORT TRAC BODY MOUNTS HAVE ALL DETERATED AND FALLEN OFF. VERY SERIOUS MATTER WHEN BODY MIGHT BREAK OFF. *CN

THE RUBBER BODY MOUNT,STRUT AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON MY 2001 SPORT TRAC 4WD ARE CRUMBLING. *TR

2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC VEHICLES HAS BADLY DETERIORATING CAB MOUNT BUSHINGS. (THESE BUSHINGS CONNECT THE CAB TO THE FRAME.) ON MY VEHICLE THEY HAVE ALMOST TOTALLY FALLEN APART. THEY CRUMBLE WHEN TOUCHED AND SOME ARE TOTALLY MISSING. THIS CAN CAUSE A BODY SWAY OF UP TO 3-4 INCHES. THERE IS NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUES ACCORDING TO FORD. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. COST OF REPAIR IS ABOUT $600.00. *TR

2001 FORD EXPLORER BODY MOUNTS. COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. *TR

THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF MY FORD THE CAB MOUNT HAS RIPPED APART THE STEEL MOUNT HAS FAILED. THE CAB IS IN DANGER OF LEAVING THE FRAME. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 74534 MIL. 2001. I'M THE ONLY OWNER, THE TRUCK IS GARAGE KEPT AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT IN OCT. 2000 AND I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN NOV. 2000. *TR

I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER AND THE PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING OFF FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. IF I WASH IT WITH HIGH PRESSURE, THE PAINT WILL BLOW OFF THE HOOD. PAINT HAS BUBBLED AND COME OFF ON THE HOOD, TAILGATE AND BOTH QUARTER PANELS OVER THE REAR WHEELS. I HAND WASH IT AT THIS POINT TO MINIMIZE MORE PAINT LOSS. *TR

THERE'S NO FAILURE JUST RUDE AND LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH WORKERS. ON 12/21/07 I TOOK MY LETTER OF THE RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO GRANDE TRUCK CENTER ON INTERSTATE 10 @ W.W.WHITE RD."GARY RANDALL AND FINALLY GOT THE REPLACE MENT ON 05/29/08. MR. RANDALL EXPLAINED WHAT WAS TO TAKE PLACE AFTER I ASKED HIM WHY DID THE WORKER TEAR MY CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON(THE PLASTIC) HE STATED 'NO HE SHOULD HAVE LOOKED INSIDE BUT UNDER THE HOOD-MY CRUISE CONTROL PLASTIC FELL OF AND I JUST ASSUME THAT IT WAS A PART OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE RECALL SO I LEFT IT IN THE CAR UNTIL THE RECALL WAS DONE-TO FIND OUT THE PLASTIC WAS NOT REPLACEABLE BY THE ONE WHO BROKE/TORE/CUT IT. AFTER THE JOB WAS FINISHED THE RUDE WORKER JUST SLAMMED THE HOOD CLOSE AND WALKED AWAY-VERY RUDE. POOR REPRESENTATION OF THE FORD COMPANY-RACE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THESE TYPE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD NOT BE WORKING IN THE PUBLIC-NOW I WOULD LET THEM DO NOTHING ELSE TO MY VEHICLE AGAIN NOT EVEN RECALL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT SOUND LIKE METAL STRIKING METAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS OF THE FRAME WERE DISINTEGRATING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,000.

2001 FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE FAILURE. COVERED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000. FORD HAS ONLY RECALLED A PORTION OF THE VEHICLES IN THIS CAMPAIGN AND WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS ON THE 2001 MODEL YEARS. *TR

EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP OR EVEN A ROCK MY CAR WOULD SHAKE AND RATTLE SO BAD I COULDN'T EVEN KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD PLACE IN LONGVIEW AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANY RECALLS ON IT AND THEY WOULDN'T PAY FOR IT. THEY SAID SOMETHING HAD BEEN SPRAYED ON IT (BUSHINGS) OR MY CAR HAD BEEN UP NORTH AROUND SALT WATER. NEITHER WERE TRUE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT REPAIRED. I KEPT ALL THE PARTS. THE BUSHINGS HAD TURNED BRITTLE AND MUSHY AND HAD TO BE PUT IN A BOX. *JB

LEFT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE BROKE OFF JULY 13, 2006 @60890 MILES , I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2004 @ 40014 MILES IN WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE. *NM

BACK WINDOW DEFECT. THE LEFT-SIDE HINGE ON THE WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK FELL OFF. APPARENTLY A RIVET CAME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOW CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE FROM THE HINGE. THE RIGHT SIDE REMAINED IN TACT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN A FAILURE REPORTED ON AUGUST 23, 2003. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. *JB

VEHICLE HYDROPLANES ON WET SURFACES RESULTING IN CRASH ON MAY 11, 2005. *JB

REGARDING "SIDE-STEPS" OR "RAILS" THAT BEGIN TO RUST AT JOINTS AND FLAT SURFACE AREA WITHIN AS LITTLE AS TWO YEARS OF NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY. WITNESSED VARIETY OF VARIOUS FORD VEHICLES THAT WERE LATE MODEL YEAR OF '02 & EARLIER THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC NATIONWIDE PROBLEM PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WITH WINTER MONTHS. CONTACTED DEALER AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD COVER THIS ISSUES UNDER 5YEAR FORD CORROSION COVERAGE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO, STETTING THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE "PERFORATION" OF VEHICLE BODY. FIRST CONCERN, IS RUST FORMING AND WEAKENING THE STRUCTURE WHICH MAY GIVE WAY UNDER PRESSURE. SINCE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, FORD SHOULD REPLACE OR REPAIR THESE "SIDE-STEPS" AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS' AND CORRECT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM BY PROPERLY MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCING THIS ACCESSORY ITEM.*AK

ON A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC : THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK OVER THE ENTIRE ROOF AND HOOD EXPOSING THE METAL UNDERNEATH. *NM

LTR FWD FM REGION V RE THE FORD EXPLORER AS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, HIS SISTER GINA AGIN AND HER FIANCE MICHAEL HEYWORTH KILLED IN A FATAL ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, ATTACHMENTS NOT IMAGED FWD NVS-200. *LA WITNESS STATEMENTS INDICAT THE THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD INTO THE GRASSY MEDIAN 2-3 TIMES. IT APPEARED THAT THE DRIVER OVERCORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SIDE TO SIDE THEN FRONT TO BACK. *NM

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY THE #3 BODY REINFORCEMENT. THE REINFORCEMENT BROKE LOOSE ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE CAB. THERE'S A TSB 630329 ON THIS ISSUE. *NLM

WHILE DRIVING AT 20-MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A REAR END ACCIDENT. INDEPENDENT SHOP STATED THAT FRAMES WERE TORN. *AK

BACK WINDOW DEFECT - THE LEFT-SIDE HINGE ON THE WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK FELL OFF. APPARENTLY A BOLT CAME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME AND MY WINDOW FELL OFF. THE RIGHT-SIDE REMAINED IN TACT, BUT WAS BENT A BIT. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART! I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW TWO YEARS AGO AND MY WINDOW JUST FALLS OFF ONE DAY?!?!?! *AK

RUNNING BOARDS HAVE RUTTED OUT AND IF SOMEONE STEPPED ON THEM IT COULD FALL OUT. *TT

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN UNEXPLAINED ROLL OVER INVOLVING A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, A 2 DOOR VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVE FIRESTONE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION. MY GOODYEAR TIRES WERE INTACT AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE REVIEWED THE TEST DATA AND I AM CONVINCED THIS IS A FAULTY VEHICLE DESIGN. I NEARLY LOSS MY LIFE. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS CLEARED FORD INDIRECTLY BY FOCUSING ATTENTION ON FIRESTONE TIRES AND NOT TESTING ALL FORD SUV'S.*JB

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH WATER LEAKING. ALSO STATED THAT IS MORE THAN JUST A LEAKAGE BECAUSE EVERYTIME THE CONSUMER MAKES A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN YOU CAN HERE A REAL LOUD SOUND OF WATER MOVING ON THE ROOF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT TO KEEP THE WINDOWS OPEN SO THE WATER CAN DRY. TS

THE NUMBER THREE BODY MOUNT LOCATED IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE HAS CRACKED THROW THE METAL WHICH CAUSES THE BODY TO BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN 122-25 FOR THIS PART,BUT THE REPAIR SOLUTION DOSE NOT FIX THE PROBLEM PER CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

CUSTOMER STATES, THE COVER FOR DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW SWITCHES ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT DOOR IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE, ALSO THE DOOR HINGES WERE REPLACED.*SCC *YH

STRAPS FAIL TO HOLD SCOOTER SECURELY, BOLTS HOLDING ROLLERS IN PLACE BEND, SCREWS HOLDING PLATFORM TOGHETHER COME LOOSE,THE LIFT FAILS TO REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION WITH THE SCOOTER SECURED TO IT AFTER HITTING MILD BUMPS.

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT OVER 50 MPH THE SLIGHTEST BUMP ON THE ROAD WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SWAY. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*JB

CONSUMER STATES MOLDING AROUND SUN ROOF COMES LOOSE. *TT

CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SOME ONE CUT IN FRONT OF HER. TAKING EVASIVE ACTIONS TO AVOID A CRASH THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES ON THEM. AS A PRECAUTION, CONSUMER HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED. THE ROLL OVER WAS NOT CAUSED BY TIRE DELAMINATION. CONSUMER STATES BECAUSE OF THE ROLLOVER RISKS INVOLVED WITH THE FIRESTONE TIRES ON THIS PARTICULAR SUV IS THE REASON CONSUMER REPLACED THE FIRESTONE TIRES AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE. DESPITE THE PRECAUTION THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO RECONSIDER ITS DECISION NOT TO INITIATE A SAFTEY INVESTIGATION OF THE FORD EXPLORER. *JG

CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER LEAKING AROUND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WHEN THEY ARE OPENED.*JB

CONSUMER STATED THE CENTER CONSOLE IS CRACKING.*JB

CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER LEAKING AROUND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WHEN THEY ARE OPENED.*JB

CONSUMER STATED THE CENTER CONSOLE IS CRACKING.*JB

CONSUMER IS CALLING TO REPORT A DEFECT ON THE RUNNING BOARDS. CONSUMER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED HAND FROM FALLING OFF OF SLIPPERY RUNNING BOARDS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

DRIVER OVERCORRECTED VEH ROCKED AND FLIPPED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE THAT CUT HER OFF THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED OVER TWICE, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED RELATIVELY MINOR INJURIES, GLASS SHARDS IN HER LEFT ELBOWS, THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW OF THE VEHICLE.

THE CONSUMER HAS HAD SEVERAL RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE, AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL THE CONSUMER HAD TO RENT AT VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NLM

THE TAILGATE TRIM WAS FALLING OFF AND DOES NOT FIT FLUSH LIKE THE RIGHT SIDE. NLM

CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT. BUMPER WAS AMONG OTHER PARTS THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR SHOP TOLD CONSUMER , THAT ACCORDING TO FORD, NEW VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING THE BUMPERS FIRST. THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY COULD REPLACED IT.*AK,