Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Excursion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Excursion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it rolled away independently without the engine started. The vehicle crashed into a residential mailbox and a mobile trailer. The contact's right leg and left ankle were injured while attempting to stop the vehicle, and medical attention was received. A police report was filed. An independent mechanic stated that the rear driver side panel and roof needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Transmission failed and vehicle failed to respond to acceleration. At last incident fluid came out from underneath, causing it to ignite while vehicle was being driven. This would be the third time the gasket seal of the transmission was replaced along with main central valve.
Vehicle was parked in the driveway. Consumer went to enter the vehicle and suddenly vehicle went backwards with the consumer holding on, throwing the consumer into the neighbor's driveway, causing him to sustain multiple injuries.
Total failure of automatic transmission, without warning while driving. Transmission would not shift out of lower gears, creating extremely unsafe driving environment. Vehicle taken to transmission shop, diagnosed as having the "direct drum" break apart and overheat the internal mechanism of transmission. Owner of shop indicated that most vehicles have several warning lights/signals to warn of potential problems like this - my vehicle did not exhibit any such signs prior to the total failure of the transmission. The part in question is a aluminum casting, as such it has no moving parts. The fact that it failed is obviously due to a manufacturing defect or the improper selection and specification of material in its manufacture. The Ford dealer (where vehicle was purchased) indicated that the Ford motor co. …
Consumer was upset that transmission failed at 55,000 miles. While driving and towing a boat lost second gear. Vehicle revved high when he was in first gear. Then it would skip second gear and go into third gear. Also, overdrive light flashed. Vehicle was inspected by a Ford mechanic, who determined that transmission was skipping second gear. Consumer had to replace the transmission at a cost of $4,294.97.
During normal operation of vehicle underside became engulfed in flames. Driver was directed by others to pull over, and fire was put out with a fire extinguisher. Dealership examined vehicle and determined that transmission cooler line broke and leaked fluid onto exhaust manifold, resulting in a fire. There were no injuries to report. Consumer stated it melted because it was rubber.
I have a 2001 Ford excursions, with only 54,000 miles the transmission is going to have to be overhauled do to a defect that Ford knows about and changed in newer models that cause the automatic transmission skip second gear. I have seen many other people on the internet talk about it but I like most people do not know where to go to make Ford fix the problem.
Transmission shifts from 1 to 3 due to a defective part. Transmission shop told me Ford switched a part in their transmission after 1999 year and switched it back in 2002. The part the switched leads to this failure. I believe a lot more complaints will be coming in the next few years. We just put a lot of miles due to living in a rual area.
While driving 50 MPH, the driver shut the four-wheel drive off the vehicle and without warning the driver lost control of the power steering, causing the consumer to drive into a ditch. The consumer was able to remove the vehicle from the ditch.
The vehicle had ongoing problems with the transmission, brakes, and air tire. While driving a noise was heard coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, and the problem could not be determined.
Transmission complaints in other Excursion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Excursion?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Excursion, 10% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Excursion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford Excursion, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Excursion transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.