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 Explorer Sport Trac owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle running in park while driver gathered boxes to place in bed of truck. Drive train engaged sending driverless vehicle down road, across intersection and into brick wall. Witness to impact ran to vehicle thinking to check on driver. Upon opening door, noted no driver and stated shifter still indicated vehicle was in park.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving various speeds. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was manually restarted and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a transmission malfunction. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
I purchased a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport tract I didn't get to test drive it because there were other vehical surrounding it. When I finally got to drive my truck home I noticed the transmission had a severe issue. When I turned a corner my tires rubbed badly on some other part to the trucks parts and the driver seat has a medal rod that jabs me in the back that's coming thru the fabric now my battery has leaked acid every where in the battery compartment and surrounding areas.
Car takes about 3 to 5 tries to start. I replaced gas pump, plugs, cables, temp sensor, still takes long to start.o/d off light started flashing, and now it has a rough gear change I believe from 2nd to 3rd
On October 10th, following a cold start, the vehicle was shifted from park into drive with the 4x4 mode selection switch set to 2wd mode. Instead of 2wd mode, the vehicle was in 4x4 low mode. There was no shift command to go into 4x4 low mode and it was impossible to switch out of 4x4 low mode. The vehicle was driven to a dealership in 4x4 low mode. The dealership claimed that the transfer case shift motor had shorted forcing the uncommanded shift to 4x4 low mode. The shift motor was replaced and the vehicle was returned. The old part is available. On November 2nd, following a cold start, the vehicle was shifted from park into drive with the 4x4 mode selection switch set to 2wd mode. After driving a distance less than 1 mile at a vehicle speed of approximately 20mph, a repetitive clicking noise was observed from under the passenger's side dash. …
My Ford Explorer Sport Trac with an automatic transmission has a common problem that has plagued many explorers, Sport Trac's, and rangers. A youtube video explains the problem, "uploaded on dec 7, 2011 - Ford used the 5r55e in many rear and 4 wheel drive applications. It is a good transmission but is susceptible to the valve body gasket "blowing out." the symptom of this in our vehicle was that the transmission missed second gear under acceleration but found a higher gear when we let off the gas pedal." this happens to me daily, and is a traffic hazard as the vehicle is unable to accelerate as it should. Ford published a TSB(technical service bulletin) on 03-22-10 acknowledging this problem. It is a dangerous occurrence in most vehicles where the valve body separator plate does not work as it should. …
2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 4x2 manual 18 oct 2002 - vehicle stopped shifting into gear clutch fluid reservoir empty - dealer replaced clutch master cylinder assembly. 02 nov 2002 -vehicle stopped shifting into gear clutch fluid reservoir empty - dealer replaced clutch slave cylinder assembly 11 jun 2003-vehicle stopped shifting into gear clutch fluid reservoir empty - dealer replaced clutch master cylinder assembly I believe it also occurred in 2004 but no record of work performed. 26 dec 2005-vehicle stopped shifting into gear clutch fluid reservoir empty - dealer replaced clutch master & slave cylinder assembly 29 dec 2005 - vehicle stopped shifting into gear rework from last repair - air in clutch fluid line. …
Me and my family have been long time Ford customers. I myself have owned 3 fords and many others in my family have had several Ford vehicles. My grandfather was a long time Ford salesman in bunkie, la. I currently own a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with 46000 miles. I recently experienced transmission problems with the 2 to 3 gear shift slipping. Well to make a long story short I had to get a transmission overhaul to the tune of $1,800. This vehicle only has 46000 miles and has done very little light towing and no off roading etc. I have always loved Ford quality, but it seems has dropped the ball on this transmission. There are technical service bulletins out on this tranny and I have researched and discovered many others that have the same problem. …
The transmission on the 2001 Sport Trac went out, it only had 42,000 miles on it. It was one month over the 3 years. The car was service every 3 thousand miles for oil change, 31,000 thousand for transmission service. I took my receipt into the Ford auto in st. Petersburg. I am not happy to have this happen I did everything to keep my car in top shape. It was not neglected in any way. Ford auto said their was not a thing they could do. Why not ? Where I had the transmission fixed, because it was on a weekend when it went out, told me he has had a lot on the Explorer in with the same problem one of them was as low as 37,000 miles. This seems to be a problem, you should either fix it or pay to have them fix.
My 2001 Sport Trac 2wd transmission had to be rebuilt because of defective valve body gaskets. The truck was to the point that when I pulled out into traffic the 2nd - 3rd shift was so delayed that you had to remove your foot from the gas pedal to let the truck shift. This could be a safety issue if you really need to accelerate fast to get out of the way. This truck has been pampered and all trans service was taken care of on sched. I have never had any problems with a Ford trans, but I really think somebody dropped the ball on this one. Remember that moto, quality is job 1. The rebuild cost $1500. And I do have the old bands, and clutch pack, which is worn badly.
Transmission complaints in other Explorer Sport Trac years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 22% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, though it has 4 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 Explorer Sport Trac transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.