Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
THe component was the speed control deactivation switch Manufacturer Recall Number 05S28 NHTSA Recall Number05V017000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete. It is unknown if the part is available for inspection but the vehicle is. The fire occurred while driving and left me stranded on the side of the road with five dogs, 2 hours away from home with no way of getting back. I had to find a hotel that allowed pets which was expensive and have been in said hotel starting August 25 through today, September 2. We are paid until tomorrow and I have exhausted all funds and resources. We will be without food, shelter, or teransportation. Yes the problemhas been confirmed by Santa Monica Lincoln Ford Dealership. The mechanic liason is Art Albrandt and can be reached at [redacted]. …
Front brake hose metal crimp completely rusted causing brake hose separation and failure. Design has rubber boot over crimp which actually retains moisture over many years. Boot may be intended to reduce stress at joint of metal to hose but actually enhanced failure mode. Drivers side came apart after minor bump during service, have photos of passenger side still intact but clearly fragile.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Ford Expedition. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to a stop. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact sustained a back injury, which did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
This has been an issue since acquiring this vehicle. The brakes are very soft, they will pump up but when a quicker slow down or stop is needed an individual doesn't have a lot of time to remember that. There have been no injuries or crashes as of this date. Master cylinder was replaced on mechanic's advice however this did not improve this issue. As well the vehicle seems to need the lower ball joints wear out quickly. Also please note that each time it rains there is water coming in from somewhere on the top driver's side of the windshield and post. It drips from that hand grip down to light switch and into vent on driver's side as well. There have been times where there is an electrical smell which causes concern of a vehicle fire possibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and applying the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that no injuries were reported and a police report was not field. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Fyi my 2001 Ford Expedition is experiencing the same soft brake problem that warranted them to issue recall #19s54. I have changed the brakes and the problem persists . Ford needs to include the 2001 expeditions in this recall. It is very dangerous to stop this heavy vehicle with a soft brake pedal pushed all the way down !
The brake pedal separated from its linkage. This occurred while driving. As a result, consumer was unable to depress the brake pedal when needed. This caused the vehicle to impact a curb. Police inspector indicated that it was due to a manufacturing defect.
My wife was driving in the middle of traffic when she suddenly had no brakes. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and failed to respond. She then began to pump them wildly and got some braking action. (this is in an new Ford Expedition with only 47,000 miles on the odometer. ) she drove in first gear to our local Ford dealer a few blocks away. A right front wheel bearing had already worn out-apparently a manufacturing defect, causing the wheel to become loose from the axle. As it came loose, the brake shoe and piston mechanism of the brake ceased to function. She was lucky that she hit no one else and that the wheel did not come off causing the vehicle to flip. She was fortunate she was not on the freeway at high speeds when this incident occurred. The service manager said she was lucky to get in before the wheel fell off the vehicle. …
Ford Expedition 5.4l 2001 - sudden brake failure while traveling 25 MPH in parking lot. Brake lines rusted through caused sudden brake failure. Car had undercarriage cleaning frequently during winter months and there was no indication of any problems. When replacing the brake lines, owner was informed that the upper and lower rear control arms were rusted through as well and that immediate replacement was necessary to avoid the rear track arm failure which results in dropping the rear axle and complete loss of vehicle control. Vehicle was purchased new in June 2001 and maintained continuously.owner has possession of corroded control arms after repair for evidence in NHTSA investigation. NHTSA is encouraged to contact the owner of vehicle for inspection of failed parts for investigative support.. …
Since I got the truck the electric system has been failing, also the brakes failed to operate while on the freeway and almost had us killed. The back door locks by itself and can't be opened. Air comes in from the front windshield and it also leaks when it rains. All four tires were very wasted, also I was lied about the interest rate. I was told that my interest would be 6.78% and in the contract it appears as 12.15%.
Brake complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Ford Expedition, 4% of the model year's 578 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Expedition brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Ford Expedition, 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 Expedition brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.