Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
Main problem at the moment is a clicking, knocking noise that sounds like is coming from underneath truck in the middle. You can feel truck shake/vibrate when you hear the noise. Previous problems lug bolts came loose and almost cause tire to fall off. Other problem truck started off sounding like the brake pads were going then the truck started making a horrible grinding noise . Felt like the engine was going to fall out. Ended up being front passenger side tire. Rim had stattered.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 MPH, the front passenger wheel seized and caused the contact to head towards oncoming traffic. There was no crash involved. The vehicle was not able to be driven and was towed. It was diagnosed that the front passenger side wheel bearing disintegrated. The vehicle was repaired and the wheel bearing was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shook violently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,699.
Dt*: the contact stated since ownership, the lower ball joints have been replaced three times. The vehicle was purchased at 44,159 miles and has been driven 22,530 miles since purchase. The breakdown on the repairs are; on 12/13/03 at 28,676 miles both lower ball joints were replaced, on 08/05/04 at 35,260 miles-the left lower ball joint and spindle arm were replaced, this was only 6,584 miles since the previous ball joint replacement, and on 12/26/05 at 44,159 miles-both lower ball joints and the right upper control arm were replaced at only 9,331 miles from previous replacement. The contact expressed concerns regarding the continuous repairs to the service manager at the dealership who determined the niagara falls area has the highest rate of failure for ball joints in the country. There were no additional explanations for the extreme rate of failure. …
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.
I have several more invoices 7-29-03 replaced dust seals and forgot to put brakes back together lost whole front end and braking. Had truck for 3-4 days they have replaced the water pump pulley and s belt 2-3 times. Cruise control 10-16, 12/31/02 again squeling noise 02/28/03 defrost kills truck and chirping still. 2/10/03 steering wheel snaped part falls around inside,cruise control was fixed, bearing failure in belt tensioner again. Today still having the same problem. Come get the piece of !@!@#@#. I am sick of taking this truck in every month to fix something. It is a lemon
40,500 miles, Ford Explorer v8. Vehicle would sway and pull side to side from front end, mostly unsafe at higher speeds on highway. Dealer (miller Ford , mrt. 38 , mount holly, nj)said it needed both front ball joints replaced. I had them replaced for $700 vehicle has never driven the same and does not "feel" safe on the road at high speeds. Feels like front end driver side has a major problem waiting to happen and dealer says it is fine. Any bumps or potholes make it sound like the front driver wheel from the joint is going to come loose sometime.
At 37,741 miles,my 2001 Ford vehicle had to have its lower right and left ball joints replaced because they were in dangerous condition according to the Ford repair shop. It seems to me they had to be defective from day one in order to both fail at this low mileage. Jeep liberty also Dodge durango vehicles had similar failures. Ford told me they are backing up their product as normal failure while the garage foreman has said he has had many similar cases.
Vehicle: Ford Explorer xls, my 2001. Problem: front suspension lower ball joint failure at low mileage (50000km and 63000 km, or aprox 31000miles and 39000miles). The failure was detected early and didnot have dramatic consequences. One part has been changed. The other will be dealt with soon.
Suspension complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 11% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is front (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Explorer suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2001 Ford Explorer, 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 Explorer suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to suspension 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.