Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked anti-freeze and transmission fluid. There was also rust underneath the vehicle and a hole in the running boards, which almost caused them to detach. The contact claimed that the ground could be seen through the hole. The vehicle also produced thick smoke. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The vehicle rolled over on its side on dry pavement on the fwy at the posted speed limit in good weather conditions. No other vehicle was involved, the car skided when I attempted to change lanes. I went into a skid and the car turned on its side.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While the vehicle was stationary, the child safety locks are not functioning on the rear doors could not be opened from the inside, but only from outside the vehicle. Marysville Ford in marysville, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving, the front driver side seat belt would suddenly unlock. In addition, the driver side and passenger side front seats would move forward when making a sudden stop and the passenger side door and hatch door would not open. The vehicle was not diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 166,694.
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 updated 07/13/16.
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.
Rear end of car thumped every time you would go over the smallest separation in the road and also on a bumpy road. Replaced rear end shocks. Still have the same problem of thumping. Some times it feels like I'm going to loose the rear end of the vehicle. I was told possibly now that back bushings holding the body to the frame May be disintegrated. Vehicle has always been well maintained and garaged. I have found out that there have been many complaints about this occurring now with this 2001 model. You would think there would be a safety recall by Ford to fix these bushing problems.
Consumer stated during a rollover the seat belts did not work properly, and passenger was ejected from vehicle, vehicle was hit and rolled over, consumers wife was ejected resulting in a fatality. Odi spoke to husband and he assumed his wife was wearing the seatbelt. Wife was driving and during event was thrown out the passenger's side window. There was no witness to the wife wearing the belt.cw
Tl 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.
Related recalls
Structure
Certain pickup truck, van, and Mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by American technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Body complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2001 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the body & structure of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 8% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is body (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Explorer body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-094 (structure, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Explorer body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries and 1 death to body & structure 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.